Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
Kindergarten Social Studies Curriculum Map Overview
2008
Connecting Themes in Kindergarten Social Studies
Unit one teaches the students the over arching Connecting Themes which teachers must emphasize all year long. They will be bolded throughout the
curriculum map. Each unit will also include unit enduring understandings.
All of Social Studies should be taught through Balanced Literacy in Shared Reading time, by using Focus Poetry, and Writer’s Workshop.
See Linking the Language for additional connections.
Connecting Themes in Kindergarten
Social Studies
Culture- The student will be aware that
culture is things we believe and how we act
because of these beliefs.
Individuals, Groups, and InstitutionsThe student will be aware that what we do
affects others.
Location The student will be aware that
where we live affects every part of our
lives.
Scarcity: When there is not enough of
what we want or need, we must make
another choice and that choice has a cost.
Time, Change, and Continuity: The
student will be aware that things remain the
same although we have changes.
Application of skills/ Ideas teachers can use to teach skills
Culture- Is who you are, where you come from, how you live, where you live, religion, beliefs,
and everything that goes on around you. Teachers will spend this first month discussing with
students how this concept and every other one listed relates to the students personal life.
The different types of music, living in the country and living in the city- how the activities would
be different. The different traditions from classrooms, grade levels, world wide traditions,
customs. Bring in Holidays from around the world.
Individuals, Groups, Institutions- Discuss how what we do affects others. Example: If
someone is talking in class, and you decide to talk then you have a choice and a consequence.
Location- Where you live affects how you get to school. Example: bus, walker, car rider. Where
we live affects our activities. What do you like to do? What if you lived in Alaska where it snows
most of the year? What if you lived near the ocean? What if you lived in a different country?
Scarcity- Running out of things, not enough of things. You go to get school supplies and there
are no supplies left. You want a toy but the store is sold out. How does this make you feel? Are
there things you can think of that people do not have enough of?
Time, Change, and Continuity- Change happens and things change throughout a person’s life.
Example: School rules stay the same, but classroom rules will change. As you get older and
move up the grades you have more privileges.
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
Unit 1 – August - Connecting Themes in Kindergarten Social Studies
Themes & Enduring
Understandings
Culture - The student
will be aware that
culture is things we
believe and how we act
because of these beliefs.
Individuals, Groups,
and Institutions - The
student will be aware
that what we do affects
others.
Location - The student
will be aware that where
we live affects every
part of our lives.
Scarcity - When there is
not enough of what we,
want or need, we must
make another choice and
that choice has a cost.
Time, Change, and
Continuity - The
student will be aware
that things remain the
same although we have
changes.
Standards
SSKG1 The student will describe
American culture by explaining
diverse community and family
celebrations and customs.
SSKCG2 The student will retell
stories that illustrate positive
character traits and will explain how
the people in the stories show the
qualities of honesty, patriotism,
SSCG1a,b The student will
demonstrate an understanding of
good citizenship:
a. Explain how rules are made and
why.
b. Explain why rules should be
followed
SSKG3 – The student will state the
city and state and school when he is.
Essential Questions
Broad – What are the
enduring understandings we
will be talking about this
year
Content Terms
“Pledge of Allegiance”
“The Star-Spangled
Banner”
Pledge
Allegiance
Specific – What are enduring Star-Spangled Banner
understandings?
Rules – school, class
Consequence
Why do we say the Pledge of Behavior
Allegiance? Why do we sing Character word of the
our National Anthem?
week
City
What city do we live in?
State
What school do I attend?
(school name)
rules
Why should we follow rules?
Resources
Social Studies Books:
Rules
School Rules
No Rules for Rex
Following Rules
Being Responsible
American Symbols (bb)
My Flag (6 pk)
American Symbols:
The American Flag
Symbols of Freedom –
The Liberty Bell
The Star Spangled
Banner
School list of character
word of the week.
School’s Behavior Plan
in School notebook
United Streaming:
“Going to School Is
Your Job”
“What is Respect?”
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
Unit 2 – September - The People in Our Neighborhood observing Labor Day
Themes & Enduring
Understandings
Culture- The student
will be aware that culture
is things we believe and
how we act because of
these beliefs.
Individuals, Groups,
and Institutions- The
student will be aware
that what we do affects
others.
Scarcity: When there is
not enough of what we,
want or need, we must
make another choice and
that choice has a cost.
Time, Change, and
Continuity: The student
will be aware that things
remain the same
although we have
changes.
Location The student
will be aware that where
we live affects every part
of our lives.
Standards
SSKG2 a,b,c – The student will
explain that a map is a drawing of a
place and a globe is a model of the
Earth.
a. Differentiate land and water
features on simple maps and globes.
b. Explain that maps and globes
show a view from above.
c. Explain that maps and globes
show features in a smaller size.
SSKCG1a,b – The student will
demonstrate an understanding of
good citizenship.
a. Explain how rules are made and
why.
b. Explain why rules should be
followed.
SSKH1a – The student will identify
the purpose of national holidays and
describe the people or events
celebrated.
SSKH3a b,c,d,e,f,g – The student
will correctly use words and phrases
related to chronology and time to
explain how things change.
a. Now, long ago
b. Before, after
c. Morning, afternoon, night
d. Today, tomorrow, yesterday
e. First, last, next
Essential Questions
Broad - Why do we
celebrate Labor Day?
Specific –
How are maps and globes
alike and different?
Why do we celebrate Labor
Day?
How do we celebrate Labor
Day?
What words can we use to
describe change over time?
How do people show they are
proud of their work?
Why do people work?
Where do I live?
Content Terms
maps
globes
Labor Day
holidays
rules
citizenship
change
celebrate
pride/proud
SSKH3 terms
customs
character traits
(character word of
the week)
community helper
names
live
Macon - city
Georgia - state
Bibb County - county
United States of
America - country
North America continent
Resources
Social Studies Books:
Labor Day
Rosh Hashanah & Yon
Kipper
Everything in Order(bb)
It’s Time (bb)
Me Counting Time
From Here to There(bb)
School list of character
word of the week.
United Streaming:
“Sharp Wits Episode 117:
Labor Day”
“Old Glory”
“Waltzing Matilda”
invite community helpers
to visit room
http://www.apples4the
teacher.com/holidays/laborday/index.html
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
f. Day, week, month, year
g. Past, present, future
SSKG1 – The student will describe
American culture by explaining
diverse community and family
celebrations and customs.
SSKCG2 – The student will retell
stories that illustrate positive
character traits and will explain how
the people in the stories show the
qualities of honesty, patriotism,
loyalty, courtesy, respect, truth,
pride, self-control, moderation, and
accomplishment.
SSKE1– The student will describe
the work that people do (policy
officer, fire fighter, soldier, mail
carrier, baker, farmer, doctor, and
teacher).
2. The student will explain that
people earn income by exchanging
their human resources (physical or
mental work) for wages or salaries.
3. The student will explain how
money is used to purchase goods and
services.
SSKG3 - The student will state the
street address, city, county, state,
nation, and continent in which he or
she lives.
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
Unit 3 – October - Where in the World Are We – Columbus Day
Themes & Enduring
Understandings
Location The student
will be aware that where
we live affects every
part of our lives..
Time, Change, and
Continuity: The student
will be aware that things
remain the same
although we have
changes.
Standards
SSKH1b – The student will identify the purpose
of national holidays and describe the people or
events celebrated.-Columbus Day
SSKH3a,b,c,d,e,f,g – The student will correctly
use words and phrases related to chronology and
time to explain how things change.
a. Now, long ago
b. Before, after
c. Morning, afternoon, night
d. Today, tomorrow, yesterday
e. First, last, next
f. Day, week, month, year
g. Past, present, future
SSKG1 – The student will describe American
culture by explaining diverse community and
family celebrations and customs.
SSKCG2 – The student will retell stories that
illustrate positive character traits and will
explain how the people in the stories show the
qualities of honesty, patriotism, loyalty,
courtesy, respect, truth, pride, self-control,
moderation, and accomplishment.
SSKE1 – The student will describe the work
that people do (police Officer, fire fighter,
soldier, mailer carrier, baker, farmer, doctor, and
teacher).
2. The student will explain that people earn
income by exchanging their human resources
(physical or mental work) for wages or salaries.
3. The student will explain how money is used
to purchase goods
and services.
Essential Questions
Broad – Where in the world are
we?
Specific –
Why do we celebrate
Columbus Day?
What words can we use to
describe change over time?
How do people in the United
States celebrate Columbus
Day?
How did Christopher
Columbus show good
character?
Why do people work?
Content Terms
Resources
Columbus Day
Christopher
Columbus
globe
ocean, sea
continent
Europe
the Americas
customs
change
same
chronological terms
Social Studies Books:
Columbus Day
Map It!
School Then and
Now (6pk)
Long Ago (6pk)
Communications Then
And Now
Home Then and Now
School Then and Now
Toys Then and Now
Find Your Way
Where Is My Continent?
Where Is My Country?
Where Is My Home?
Where Is My State?
Where Is My Town?
Families
Together
Families Help Each
Other
Go Facts My Family tree
Passing It On
People Everywhere
Here I Am
Take a Look
Signals for Safety
in H3
character words
goods
services
wages
School list of character
word of the week.
United Streaming:
“Columbus Day”
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
Unit 4 – November, December - Celebrating Our Difference – Veterans Day, Thanksgiving
Themes & Enduring
Understandings
Culture- The student
will be aware that
culture is things we
believe and how we act
because of these beliefs.
Scarcity: When there is
not enough of what we,
want or need, we must
make another choice and
that choice has a cost.
Standards
Essential Questions
Content Terms
SSKH1c,d - The student will identify the
purpose of national holidays and describe the
people or events celebrated …Veterans Day,
Thanksgiving Day
Broad – How are we different
and how are we the same?
SSKH3a,b,c,d,e,f,g - The student will
correctly use words and phrases related to
chronology and time to explain how things
change.
a. Now, long ago
b. Before, after
c. Morning, afternoon, night
d. Today, tomorrow, yesterday
e. First, last, next
f. Day, week, month, year
g. Past, present, future
Specific –
Why do we celebrate Veterans
Day? Thanksgiving Day?
Veterans Day
veteran
Thanksgiving Day
pilgrims
native Americans
feast
Plymouth Rock
family celebrations
and customs
parades
SSKH3 terms
character words
money – coins, bills
SSKG1- The student will describe American
culture by explaining diverse community and
family celebrations and customs.
SSKCG2 - The student will retell stories that
illustrate positive character traits and will
explain how the people in the stories show the
qualities of honesty, patriotism, loyalty,
courtesy, respect, truth, pride, self-control,
moderation, and accomplishment.
What words can we use to
describe change over time?
How do people celebrate
Veterans Day? Thanksgiving
Day?
How do veterans show good
character?
How did the Pilgrims and
Native Americans show good
character?
Resources
Social Studies Books
Veterans Day
Election Day
Thanksgiving (3)
Chanukah
Kwanzaa
Christmas
New Year
School list of character word
of the week.
United Streaming:
“Sharp Wits Episode 118:
Veterans Day”
“Holiday Facts and Fun –
Veterans Day”
“Thanksgiving Day:
America Celebrates”
“Miss Nelson Has a Field Day”
Invite a veteran to speak
Why do people work?
SSKE1 - The student will describe the work
that people do (police officer, fire fighter,
soldier, mail carrier, baker, farmer, doctor,
and teacher).
2 - The student will explain that people earn
income by exchanging their human resources
(physical or mental work) for wages or
salaries.
3 - The student will explain how money is
used to purchase goods and services.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vets
day/
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
Unit 5 – January - Being a Good American
Themes &
Enduring
Understandings
Standards
Individuals,
Groups, and
InstitutionsThe student will
be aware that
what we do
affects others
SSKH1 The student will identify the purpose of
national holidays and describe the people or events
celebrated – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Scarcity: When
there is not
enough of what
we, want or
need, we must
make another
choice and that
choice has a
cost.
SSKH3 The student will correctly use words and
phrases related to chronology and time to explain
how things change.
a. Now, long ago
b. Before, after
c. morning, afternoon, night
d. Today, tomorrow, yesterday
e. First, last, next
f. Day, week, month, year
g. Past, present, future
SSKG1 The student will describe American
culture by explaining diverse community and
family celebrations and customs.
SSKCG2 The student will retell stories that
illustrate positive character traits and will explain
how the people in the stories show the qualities of
honesty, patriotism, loyalty, courtesy, respect,
truth, pride, self-control, moderation, and
accomplishment.
SSKE1 - The student will describe the work that
people do (police officer, fire fighter, soldier, mail
carrier, baker, farmer, doctor, and teacher).
2 - The student will explain that people earn
income by exchanging their human resources
(physical or mental work) for wages or salaries.
3 - The student will explain how money is used to
purchase goods and services.
Essential Questions
Broad – How can we be a
good American?
Specific Why do we
celebrate Martin Luther
King, Jr., Day?
What words can we use to
describe change over time?
How do people celebrate
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?
How did Martin Luther
King, Jr., show good
character?
Content Terms
Resources
Martin Luther King
Jr. Day
Social Studies Books:
New Year
Martin Luther
MLK, Jr. (bb)
King, Jr.
MLK Day (2)
SSKH3 terms
MLK, Jr.
parades
Postal Workers
“I Have a Dream”
Firefighters
speech
Farmers
character words
Firefighters
community workers Doctor
work – mental,
Librarian
physical
Mail Carrier
work – money –
Police
goods
Doctor and Dentist
and services
Police Officers
Civil Rights
Teachers
Atlanta
At Work
Why do people work?
School list of character
word of the week.
http://www.nps.gov/malu/
http://www.americanrhetori
c.com/speeches/mlkihaveadr
eam.htm
United Streaming:
Martin’s Big Words
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
Unit 6 – February - Being a Good Citizen
Themes & Enduring
Understandings
Individuals, Groups,
and Institutions- The
student will be aware
that what we do affects
others
Scarcity: When there is
not enough of what we,
want or need, we must
make another choice and
that choice has a cost.
Standards
Essential Questions
SSKH1 The student will identify the purpose of
national holidays and describe the people or
events celebrated – Presidents Day
Broad – How can we be a
good citizen?
SSKH3 The student will correctly use words and
phrases related to chronology and time to explain
how things change.
a. Now, long ago
b. Before, after
c. morning, afternoon, night
d. Today, tomorrow, yesterday
e. First, last, next
f. Day, week, month, year
g. Past, present, future
Specific –
How do we celebrate
Presidents Day?
SSKG1- The student will describe American
culture by explaining diverse community and
family celebrations and customs.
SSKCG2 The student will retell stories that
illustrate positive character traits and will
explain how the people in the stories show the
qualities of honesty, patriotism, loyalty,
courtesy, respect, truth, pride, self-control,
moderation, and accomplishment.
SSKE1 - The student will describe the work that
people do (police officer, fire fighter, soldier,
mail carrier, baker, farmer, doctor, and teacher).
2 - The student will explain that people earn
income by exchanging their human resources
(physical or mental work) for wages or salaries.
3 - The student will explain how money is used
to purchase goods and services.
SSKH2 - The student will identify important
American symbols and explain their meaning.
What words can we use to
describe change over time?
How do people celebrate
Presidents Day?
How do United States
presidents show good
character?
How do people work?
What symbols can we use to
tell about Presidents Day?
Content Terms
Presidents’ Day
president
President Washington
President Lincoln
current president
currency with
presidents
Washington DC
Washington monument
Lincoln Memorial
White House
US flag
Georgia flag
SSKH3 terms
character words
community workers
Resources
Social Studies Books:
Being a Good Citizen
Let’s See Washington,
DC (6 pk)
Remember George
Washington
Presidents’ Day
American Symbols:
The White House
Symbol of Freedom:
The Lincoln Mem.
Symbol of Freedom:
The Washington Mon.
Valentine’s Day
Being Fair
Then and Now
At the Market (bb)
Money
Counting Money
Earning Money
Dollars
Quarters
Nickels
Dimes
Pennies
It’s Time
School list of character
word of the week.
United Streaming:
Presidents’ Day:
Washington & Lincoln
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
Unit 7 – March, April, May - You’re a Grand Ole Flag and other US Symbols – Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day
Themes & Enduring
Understandings
Standards
Culture- The student
will be aware that
culture is things we
believe and how we act
because of these beliefs.
SSKH1 The student will identify
the purpose of national holidays and
describe the people or events
celebrated – Memorial Day, Flag
Day, Independence Day?
Essential Questions
Broad – What symbols
remind you of America?
How do these show what we
believe as Americans?
Specific –
Why do we celebrate
Memorial Day?
Why do we celebrate Flag
Day?
Why do we celebrate
Independence Day?
What words can we use to
describe change over time?
How do we celebrate
Memorial Day?
How do we celebrate Flag
Day?
SSKG1 The student will describe
How do we celebrate
American culture by explaining
Independence Day?
diverse community and family
How do the American flag
celebrations and customs.
and the Pledge of Allegiance
show patriotism?
SSKCG2 The student will retell
How do we show respect for
stories that illustrate positive
our country on Memorial
character traits and will explain how Day?
the people in the stories show the
What is the meaning of
qualities of honesty, patriotism,
symbols we use to represent
loyalty, courtesy, respect, truth,
Memorial Day?
pride, self-control, moderation, and What is the meaning of
accomplishment.
symbols we use to represent
Flag Day?
SSKE1 The student will describe
What is the meaning of
SSKH3 The student will correctly
use words and phrases related to
chronology and time to explain how
things change.
a. Now, long ago
b. Before, after
c. Morning, afternoon, night
d. Today, tomorrow, yesterday
e. First, last, next
f. Day, week, month, year
g. Past, present, future
Content Terms
Resources
Memorial Day
Flag Day
Independence Day
US flag
Georgia flag
bald eagle
Statue of Liberty
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument
White House
Pledge of Allegiance
Star Spangled Banner
Social Studies Books:
American Symbols:Bald
Eagle
American Symbols:
Statue of Liberty
Arbor Day
Earth Day (3)
Being a Leader
Making Choices
Looking At Money
Why People Move
Work Around the Clock
Respecting Others
Respect
Transportation Then and
Now
Memorial Day (2)
Flag Day
Holiday Celebrations:
Flag Day
Independence Day (3bks)
Fourth of July (6 pk)
SSKH3 terms
community workers
character words
choices
School list of character
word of the week.
United Streaming:
Old Glory
Sharp Wits Episode
116…Memorial Day
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Map
Grade K
the work that people do (police
symbols we use to represent
officer, fire fighter, soldier, mail
Independence Day?
carrier, baker, farmer, doctor, and
teacher).
SSKE2 The student will explain
that people earn income by
exchanging their human resources
(physical or mental work) for wages
or salaries.
SSKE3 The student will explain
how money is used to purchase
goods and services.
SSKH2 The student will identify
important American symbols and
explain their meaning.
a. The national and state flags
(United States and Georgia flags)
b. The bald eagle
c. The Statue of Liberty
d. Lincoln Memorial
e. Washington Monument
f. White House
g. Pledge of Allegiance
h. Star Spangled Banner
SSKE4 – The student will explain
that people must make choices
because they cannot have
everything they want.